In the watersheds that need it most, we’ll continue working to
reduce sedimentation and restore aquatic habitat. Since 2004,
we’ve removed an estimated 2,500 tons of excess sediment from the
Valley River – that’s about 135 dump truck loads that, prior to our
restoration projects, was going into the river every year from
eroding streambanks! We’ll keep working to eradicate non-native
invasive plants from streamside areas throughout the watershed
and to plant native trees and shrubs that provide bank
stability, filtration of runoff, and shade among other benefits.
We’ll continue to provide technical assistance to landowners in the
4-county area. And with new funding from Duke Energy we’ll also be
hosting a series of tree planting workshops early this year!

Helping
People Recognize and Address Threats to Our Water Resources

Building on new curriculum developed in 2013, we’ll continue to work
with regional partners to develop a local, low-cost sediment and
erosion control training program for local grading contractors
and developers. We’ll also look to expand our C.R.E.E.K. Days
summer youth education program for maximum participation and
keep participating in conservation field days sponsored by
partner organizations like the Georgia Mountain Research & Education
Center and soil and water conservation districts.

Keeping
Our Lakes Healthy,

Clean and Beautiful

In partnership with Towns County government, we’ll continue to
fix leaking and failing septic systems and work with
agricultural landowners on projects to improve pastures and
manage waste from livestock operations around Lake Chatuge.
We’ll keep working to implement practices to reduce and filter
stormwater runoff, including two projects with the City of
Hiawassee. With the help of many dedicated volunteers, we’ll keep
tabs on bacterial concentrations and water chemistry in both the
Chatuge and Nottely watersheds through our Adopt-A-Stream water
quality monitoring program. And we’ll continue to host and
support shoreline clean-ups around all of our lakes.

Improving
Recreational Access to

Our
Rivers, Lakes and Streams

In 2014, we’ll complete a plan for improving access to our
rivers, lakes and streams. Then we’ll start implementing it by
working with other partners like the travel and tourism and economic
development authorities, TVA and the US Forest Service to make
improvements at locations prioritized in the plan. We’ll also
work to secure additional funding for future projects and start
laying the groundwork for recruiting outfitters and marketing our
area to users of other area rivers. We’ll also host some more
canoe/ kayak trips and hikes along our waterways!